Accession Number:

AD0601138

Title:

GAMES AND SIMULATIONS

Descriptive Note:

Corporate Author:

RAND CORP SANTA MONICA CA

Personal Author(s):

• Dalkey, Norman C.

Report Date:

1964-04-01

Pagination or Media Count:

19.0

Abstract:

The prevailing pessimism concerning the usefulness of game theory for military analysis is premature, and the time has arrived for a second look. The advantage in a game theoretic analysis of a military problem are large. These include the possibility of dealing with a wide spectrum of strategic possibilities, the explicit inclusion of the basic two- or many- sidedness of military conflicts, and the opportunity for optimization. However, for some time to come, game theoretic analysis cannot be expected to deal with the staggering complexity of large-scale military engagements. Progress will be made primarily with highly simplified models. As a result game theoretic studies will need supplemental unpacking and testing. Imbedding abstract games in a family of models whose aggregated solutions are refined and evaluated by more detailed simulation appears to be one promising direction.

Descriptors:

• *GAME THEORY
• *MATHEMATICAL MODELS
• *WARFARE
• DAMAGE
• KILL PROBABILITIES
• MILITARY OPERATIONS
• MILITARY STRATEGY
• MODEL THEORY
• NUCLEAR WARFARE
• OPERATIONS RESEARCH
• OPTIMIZATION

Subject Categories:

• Operations Research

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE